«I'm Evert, a wedding photographer living in the middle of the Netherlands (near Amsterdam) together with my wife (who, as a bookbinder, makes our albu »

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Join experienced wedding photographers as an assistant. Just observe them and learn, and have fun!

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—I started shooting on film way back in 1998. In 2003, I sort of accidentally landed my first wedding job. I thought I would hate it, but the opposite was true: I loved, loved, loved it! I was still in university then so I continued to do it on the side. After I graduated and returned from a 7 month trip to Africa I decided to go for a 'safe' career in my field of profession. But soon, I shot weddings again in the weekend and from one thing comes another so in 2009 I quit my job and started to be a pro photographer ever since. Good decision!

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—You can do so much. I mean, sometimes it's hard to figure out what you really want. But that's really a First World problem to be honest; there's so many people on this planet that really have a hard time and are just trying to survive on a daily basis.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—The short-term attitude so many people have. We are making it very hard for future generations to live on this little spot in space so we really should be a bit more careful!

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—A story or moment that's going on and a connection with the person in it. Sometimes we treasure really crappy photo's for just one single reason; the person featured in it.

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—All those folks who are famous and really are doing nothing at all! They don't make any art, write books or music, god knows why they are famous...

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Follow workshops and masterclasses, browse through great photo books (not wedding related) and watch films, and listen to feedback on your work.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—.....coffee with a mate of mine! It's Monday, I know, but I'm almost going on a holiday, it's the quiet season and hey – I'm my own boss now!

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—Hard question, even tougher answer. There is a serious option there might not be a future at all. We see a lot of pressure from other areas (people bringing their own smart phones, camera's, etc.) but still, I also see a lot of people who value the craft and art we bring to the job. So maybe there's hope after all!

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—First, moment, then moment, and finally, moment. No seriously, moment trumps all. But good lighting and good composition can make it great.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—The capturing of moments which happen for a split second into an image which will last forever. Sometimes these moments won't even be noticed until you see it in a photograph.

—Do you hate anyone or anything? Who or what?

—Hate is a result of fear (remember Yoda?) so I try not to hate anyone. Dislike maybe yes. I do hate marmite, lousy coffee and

—Do you like travelling?

—Yes, absolutely. I've visited about 60 countries so far in my life. That's a long list, but the bucket list is much longer.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—The fact that you know you'll create memories people will treasure for the rest of their lives. That's extremely grateful.

—Cats or dogs?

—All kind of animals, but cats absolutely! Not when they decide to sleep on my tablet when I need to edit photo's, though...

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—Getting born was pretty impressive... Also, I once visited mountain gorilla's in Rwanda. That was mind blowing...

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—In my personal space; not that much. I'd like to shoot more for myself though and travel (even) more.

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—Sometimes I can be really lazy if I need to do tasks that I don't really like. Very, very annoying.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—Read some books, listen to some music, plot a new destination to travel too, and play video games!

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—Enjoy life; it's short enough as it is! And please don't take life (or yourself) too seriously.

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—I don't really like to take images of people who really don't like to have their image taken.

—Whom can you name as people you respect and admire most?

—All Star Wars characters (the good ones). But Mandela is really the One that Rules Them All.

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—I buy too much crap! Mostly because I think 'hey that's cool' and they I rarely touch it.

—In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

—Nope. They've given me plenty of liberty to choose my own path and for that I thank them!

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—To relay their planned intergalactic highway so they won't have to erase Planet Earth :)

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—Nope! I shoot portraits and events too and, while traveling, landscapes and wildlife.